Typically needed in four cases: for work video conferences, video calls to family and friends, as well as for streaming and recording video blogs. Depending on the purpose of your camera, you need to choose a specific model - for conversations with loved ones, a not very advanced camera is enough, but for recording videos for your blog, cameras with more advanced features are recommended. high level.
As is the case with many others electronic devices, a webcam can be purchased for a couple of tens of dollars or several hundred - it all depends on your wishes and budget.
In the next section we will talk about the most important characteristics of webcams, then we will give a few useful tips, and then we will present to your attention ten interesting models that can be found and purchased in our catalog.
Key Features You Should Pay Attention to
Sensor resolution, MP
Characterizes the number of photosensitive elements of the camera matrix that capture light during the process of taking video or photos. The higher the resolution, the better. To record HD video, models with a 1-megapixel sensor are sufficient; for FullHD, a 2-megapixel model is required. In most cases more a high resolution no need.
Video resolution, pixels
Even the cheapest modern webcams can record video in FullHD resolution. Their main difference is the maximum frame rate and the quality of the video itself. Before bribery specific model be sure to check out the examples of videos that were shot with its help - they are easy to find on YouTube.
Photo resolution, pixels
In general, webcams are not designed for taking photos - except for social networks. But no one bothers you to take a few pictures with them if you don’t have another device with a camera at hand. The quality will most likely be mediocre at most - even top webcams use interpolation to increase the resolution of images.
Frame rate per second
Not all models can record FullHD video at a frequency of 30 frames per second - usually only expensive cameras can do this. But in many cases this is not necessary - it is unlikely that the smooth movements of your face are important for video conferencing and communication with friends. But if you are choosing a camera for streaming or blogging, then a high frequency is extremely necessary - on a full-size video, less than 30 frames per second looks disgusting.
It is worth noting that manufacturers often lie about the maximum frame rate of the video their cameras shoot - cheap models are characterized by characteristic “brakes” and jerks in the stream.
Focusing
The presence of an automatic focusing system in the camera significantly improves the final image quality and allows the user to move freely in the frame without losing focus.
Manual focusing allows you to fine-tune the focus of the lens for specific conditions - for example, making video calls from a chair in front of the monitor.
The cheapest cameras do without focusing systems at all and have a fixed focus.
Viewing and rotation angles
A very important parameter of a webcam is the viewing angle of its lens, which determines the amount of space that fits into the frame. It is best to choose a model with a viewing angle of 70 degrees or more.
For a comfortable installation of the camera, the ability to rotate it, both horizontally and vertically, is also important. Many models can rotate 360 degrees horizontally, but this is not needed too often - generally 180 degrees is enough.
Connection
The vast majority of modern webcams are connected to a PC using USB ports (USB 2.0). Very few models use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi - it's simply not necessary when the user usually has a smartphone with an equally, if not more capable camera at hand.
Microphone
Almost all webcams you can buy now have a built-in microphone. Most of These microphones, however, are quite poor at recording sound - if you plan to vlog or stream, it is better to use a microphone on the headset or a separate microphone. However, expensive webcams handle audio quite well - again, examples of audio recording from them can be found on YouTube.
For almost every webcam model, you can find an example of video and audio recording on YouTube. If you are satisfied with the quality of the video found, pay attention to the conditions of its shooting, in particular the lighting. As long as the quality doesn't suffer too much in the dark, the camera is worth considering.
Be sure to make sure that the camera connection cable will reach the USB port of your PC. Monitors with USB ports are very convenient in this regard - the camera in most cases is located either on the monitor or next to it.
Many good professional cameras have a thread on the bottom for tripod mounting. If you are going to use it, check for the presence of such threads.
If you are going to use software from a camera manufacturer, read reviews about it online. Very often this software is old, unfinished and simply buggy.
A webcam is a device that is most often purchased at the same time as a computer and is not given much importance. However, it is worth paying attention to the characteristics, otherwise disappointment and irritation may appear even during the first shooting or communication session.
By following our tips, you can learn everything about the capabilities, functions and applications of webcams. We hope that this information will help readers make right choice when purchasing a device.
What is a webcam, how does it work and where is it used?
Webcam is enough small device, which is a photo or video camera connected to a computer or laptop. Web cameras capture images in real time and then transmit them to the recipient via the Internet. The difference from a digital camera primarily lies in the power supply via wires and the impossibility of functioning without a computer, at least fully.
Web cameras are used for video chats and video calls, video conferencing, security purposes, monitoring and surveillance, etc.
Main characteristics of webcams
The characteristics of webcams affect both the quality of the device and its price, which can vary greatly from model to model. What parameters are the main ones and what should not be missed when choosing a webcam?
- Webcam matrix type. The webcam matrix can be created using one of the technologies:
a) CCD- technology used in digital cameras and also used for web cameras. Among its advantages: high sensitivity, high fill factor, efficiency - about 95%, more low level interference during operation. It is worth remembering that a power supply that is too weak is likely to fail at the moment of maximum load of the system or even its individual elements. A power supply with too much power can reduce the efficiency of the entire computer;
b) CMOS- cheaper to produce technology used in most webcams. Such matrices have a low cost, shoot up to 500 frames per second, and consume fairly little energy during operation. Among their shortcomings, experts point out a large number of noise in the image, low pixel fill factor and, as a result, low sensitivity;
c) BSI CMOS- when using such a matrix, it is easier for light to reach the photodiodes. Such sensors are also called “back-illuminated sensors” - they are much more photosensitive. Due to this, the amount of noise in the image is reduced compared to conventional CMOS.
- Camera resolution- another one of the most important characteristics. The quality of the transmitted image depends on it. Please note that resolution can be direct or interpolated. With software interpolation, the number of pixels in the original image is processed using mathematical methods and multiplied by certain number and then an enlarged image is formed. In this case, the original image resolution does not change, but the quality may deteriorate. When choosing a camera, you should pay attention to the real resolution of 1.3 megapixels - this is enough for HD quality.
- Frame frequency- a characteristic responsible for the smoothness of shooting. An acceptable shooting speed is 15 frames per second - this will be enough for communication on the Internet. For high-quality video broadcasts, you need at least 30 frames per second.
- Focusing webcam allows you to influence the clarity of the image. It can be either manual or automatic. Manual is done by rotating the wheel located near the lens. Automatic focusing assumes that the webcam itself sets the distance to the object and calculates the focal length. IN different models Autofocus speed and quality may vary significantly.
- Sensitivity- parameter of the minimum permissible illumination at which it is possible to use the camera. However, when purchasing a camera with infrared illumination, this characteristic will immediately be presented at a decent level.
- Connection type. Typically, webcams are connected via a USB port version 1.1, 2.0 or 3.0. The latter type is faster, but is only found on modern computers.
Additional webcam features:
- Availability of a built-in microphone. Frees you from the need to purchase another device and allows you to make video calls with large groups. Nowadays, almost all cameras are equipped with a built-in microphone.
- Ability to use your webcam as a camera. Modern webcam models allow you to use these devices as digital cameras. If you are choosing a camera for these purposes, pay attention to devices with a higher resolution, otherwise the quality of the photos will hardly satisfy you. Some cameras are also equipped with a photo button on the body - pressing it can activate photo mode and launch a graphics editor.
- Availability of special software. Each webcam manufacturer offers its own software for users to install or use. In addition to standard functions, it can complement the camera's operation with personalized features. For example, Logitech offers a built-in graphics editor.
What else should you pay attention to?
When choosing and purchasing a webcam, pay attention to its mounting, tilt and swivel capabilities, and viewing angle.
Study the characteristics, compare webcam models, take into account the tips from our review and enjoy comfortable and enjoyable video communication.
Web cameras, their purpose and application features have been discussed many times in our magazine. The last review article - “Web cameras in World Wide Web networks” by Yu. Semko - was published in No. 2’2002. However, since then there have been major changes in this market.
Firstly, the high-speed USB 2.0 interface has become widespread, which has made it possible to increase the image transfer speed and increase its format. Indeed, even despite the fact that the main purpose of Web cameras is the communications market (transmission of video information over low-speed communication channels, for example using a modem), which dictates strict restrictions on the flow of information, and therefore on the format and degree of compression of the image, from a higher quality using the source material always produces a more acceptable result.
Secondly, the rapid development of wireless technologies has given rise to the creation of a whole family of wireless Web cameras. Among the latest new products that have appeared on sale, we can note wireless bluetooth Logitech QuickCam Cordless webcam (http://www.logitech.com/). It is equipped with a CMOS sensor (like all other Web cameras), but its resolution is slightly higher than usual (510S492). As an alternative connection, the USB 2.0 interface can be used. Of course, wireless cameras are still quite expensive - the Logitech QuickCam Cordless price is more than $200, that is, almost 10 times more expensive than the cheapest Web cameras, the image from which is transmitted over a wire.
Thirdly, last year a large number of new manufacturers of Web cameras appeared and the range of models, shapes and types of devices expanded significantly. Logitech and Intel are still considered the recognized leaders in the production of Web cameras, followed by such well-known companies as Genius, Creative, Philips, Kodak, etc.
Fourthly, a large number of combined devices have appeared with the functions of a camera, video camera and portable tape recorder, as well as a Web camera with the ability battery life in camera and video camera modes.
The last thing to note is the final transformation of the Web camera from funny toy into a fully functional and useful tool.
Equipment of modern web cameras
legs modern web cameras have similar functional characteristics and differ only in design and software included in delivery.
For example, a typical Genius WebCAM Live web camera includes:
- cable for connecting to the USB interface;
- remote microphone with a clip for attaching to clothing;
- table stand;
- set of batteries for offline operation.
In addition to the drivers, the CD contains the following additional software:
- ArcSoft PhotoImpression is a photo editing program. It contains many tools, as well as useful and fun photo templates;
- ArcSoft VideoImpression is easy-to-use video editing software;
- ArcSoft PhotoBase is a cataloger of multimedia files. With its help you can create albums of graphic, video, sound and other files;
- ArcSoft FunHouse is a fun program for editing and editing images.
The software package for Creative cameras includes applications for circular panning and interactive video recording, a WebCam utility with a program for recording motion, Creative's Oozic Player program for visualizing music, and a suite of Ulead programs for editing photo and video information.
In a similar way Other Web cameras are also included. A set of software allows you to immediately start working fully with the camera and get results immediately.
A fairly common method of application is a scanner
If you do not have access to the Internet, then a Web camera can still be useful to you. With its help, you can quickly “scan” a picture or text, and the text can even be subsequently “recognized” and saved in alphanumeric form. You just need to select a flat surface, illuminate the object well and click on the corresponding button in the simple program supplied with the camera. This method of “scanning” is especially relevant for large format objects that cannot be placed on a regular flatbed scanner.
A very common way to communicate
If you have access to the Internet, then running Windows 98/Me/2000/XP you can use standard programs such as Windows Messenger or NetMeeting and communicate with your interlocutor on the other side of the world, seeing his image (sometimes, however, with a large delay). If the communication speed is very bad, then you can automatically take photographs of your interlocutors at predetermined intervals, after which the image will be automatically sent to and received from the person with whom you are communicating. Even with our communication speeds and more or less modest image resolution, it is possible to ensure that your interlocutor receives at least 5-10 fresh photos per minute.
In a similar way, you can organize a video conference with a group of remote people (although you may need special software in this case).
Spy and/or security method - surveillance systems
This is the option I got greatest distribution and even became associated with the very concept of “Web camera”. With this method of use, a video sequence or individual images from the camera are either sent to you at a predetermined address, or saved on a medium, or simply published on a Web page with automatic updates at regular intervals. There are even cameras that can respond to movement (however, a motion sensor can be implemented in software on a computer and made to record only the changing image from the camera).
In principle, security and video surveillance systems are serious and expensive products with special software, but some semblance of such a system can be assembled independently. Moreover, the system will not only save pictures at certain intervals in the archive on the hard drive, but will do this only when the motion sensor notices a disorder in the protected area.
Currently, the direction of digital video surveillance systems is rapidly developing (the basis of many of them is a regular computer), which, according to all forecasts, will soon supplant analog ones. Digital video surveillance systems, compared to analog ones, have many advantages:
- information is recorded on digital media (HDD, CD-RW, etc.), and on regular HDD costing about $100, you can record video information compressed with acceptable quality, recorded in almost within a month, and the capacity/cost ratio of media is constantly increasing (2-3 times per year). Records on disks can be equipped with a convenient search system, and there is no problem of rewinding the media;
- high speed modern processors allows you to implement devices such as a motion detector in software, thanks to which the digital video surveillance system has many useful functions(for example, a reaction to a certain activation of some sensor, motion detector, etc.); if desired, you can even change the logic of the system’s behavior;
- the system easily integrates into modern digital networks or to the Internet, which allows you to view certain cameras on different remote computers;
- and finally, the processing of video information is greatly simplified - for example, processing a still frame in order to improve the quality of the image (the face of an attacker, etc.) and sequentially printing it on a standard printer.
Currently, there are a large number of professional digital video surveillance systems that solve different problems and, accordingly, have different capabilities and prices, but a fully functional system can be implemented on cheap Web cameras with a USB interface (especially since today the number of USB connectors on motherboards reaches up to 6-8). For example, the program included with Creative's WebCam allows you to turn your computer into a simple security system that starts capturing images when it detects any changes in the frame (motion sensitivity is easily adjusted). You can set the camera so that the computer beeps when an object moves in the frame. Alarm signal and image can be in automatic mode transmit by e-mail or stream the video to a website.
